Monday, 5 February 2018

Inclusive Indie Publishers by Chitra Soundar

In the last few years, there has been a positive trend of
many independent publishing houses being setup and many of them are inclusive and diverse. While some focus on publishing stories from
around the world, others bring work of translation into the UK. And in some
cases, new houses are focussing on specific cultures that are under-represented
in the UK.

My picture books in the UK are published by three indie houses
that support cultural diversity and it is great to know that there are more
publishers whose mission is to bring the world to the children here in the UK.

Here is a list I put together based on my own un-scientific
research. If you know of any others, please leave their names in the comment
section.

I’ll start with the three publishers I’ve worked with:

Otter-Barry Books – Janetta Otter-Barry published both
poetry and inclusive books as a publisher at Frances Lincoln and her new
venture carries on that tradition with beautiful books for today’s world.

Lantana Publishing – In their own words, “Lantana Publishing
is hugely proud to bring UK children’s publishing one step closer towards
achieving a more diverse and inclusive children’s book landscape for the next
generation of young readers.”

Red Robin Books – while Red Robin Books were originally
setup to produce and promote books by Neil Griffiths, they also now produce
books by other authors and illustrators. I’m proud to say my Farmer Falgu
series have been adopted by Red Robin Books in the UK.

I haven't worked with the publishers listed below, but I've heard wonderful things about them.

Tiny Owl Books – The books they publish…”give children
unique perspectives on universal themes such as love, friendship and freedom
and a greater awareness of the diverse and colourful world we live in.”

FireTree Books – Verna Wilkins is back and she has renewed
her commitment to inclusive books at her latest venture FireTree Books. Her
first publishing house Tamarind Books is now part of Random House and continue
on their mission too.

Book Island – this publisher brings books from other
languages into the UK.

Read here about why more translated books are important for the children in the UK

The next two publishers focus on a specific cultural heritage - African and Chinese respectively.

African Parrot – is a
publisher based in Edinburgh who want to promote positive images about Africa
to children across the world.

Snowflake Books is a joint venture between Taiwan and British experts to bring Chinese stories to the UK

Golden Baobab & African Bureau for Children’s Stories is
a non-profit organisation based in Ghana, whose vision is to inspire the
imaginations of African children through African stories.

Groundwood Books, Canada who are particularly committed to
publishing books for and about children whose experiences of the world are
under-represented elsewhere.

So if you’re a parent who is looking for diverse picture
books for your children or a teacher who wants to have an inclusive bookshelf
or a writer/illustrator who is looking for inclusive publishers, do check these
publishers out.

If you have suggestions for other publishers, especially
indie, who are committed to an inclusive list, do leave their names in the comment
section.

Chitra Soundar is a writer made into an author by indie publishers. From her picture books in India to the ones in the UK, she works with wonderful publishers whose passion for inclusive books is infectious. Find out more at www.chitrasoundar.com or follow her on Twitter at @csoundar.